Does Ryan REALLY Think Romney Can Win?

If the above seems like an odd question, consider this: Rep. Paul Ryan has been the Republican congressman from District I in Wisconsin for the past 14 years. He is now running for Vice-President on a Republican Party ticket topped by Mitt Romney. So you might think that since he naturally believes this ticket will win in November, he is giving up his congressman’s job to take part in the more important presidential race.

Right? Not right!

The man is still running for another term as a Wisconsin congressman. While also running for Vice-President. So you have to wonder. Is he hanging on to this backup because he doesn’t really believe Romney will win?

If you are in a relationship with someone who says he/she really believes in your relationship, but they won’t give up their present love interest just in case your relationship doesn’t work out, might you question whether this person is really committed to you in a major way?

Come on, Mr. Ryan. Commit! You want the country to take a plunge into a political future you freely admit will be dramatically different from the political present? You want the country to have that kind of political courage? Then step up, sir, and do the same with your own career.

I personally think that is asking a bit much. I for one do not expect Ryan to quit his House campaign.

The_Ohioan

Why should he? The polls show a tight race or if a landslide, probably for Obama. He is perfectly positioned to push his agenda for 4 more years in the house and can run for president in 2016 from either house or VP position. We’re talking politician, here, not valiant hero.

This is standard operating procedure, especially for current holders of seats in the House. It’s occurred for VP, Senate, and governor’s races. Plenty of historical precedent.

Rcoutme

The claim is false. Ryan, when asked, answered the question perfectly. Mr. Silverstein needs to do his homework. Ryan was already the R on the ballot. He can not withdraw his name unless he is dead. That is Wisconsin law. Politifact already checked out this tired-out bit of nonsense.

MICHAEL SILVERSTEIN, Wall Street Columnist

Hi Rcoutme,

Yours is a very Republican campaign-like comment. It is factual, but doesn’t include all the facts — the ones that make clear my key point.

If you check the State of Wisconsin’s Government Accountability Board website, you will see that while it’s true that a candidate can not remove his or her name from the ballot once it is on there unless the candidate dies, it is also true that: “The candidate can make a statement to notice the electors that she[he] no longer wishes to seek the office by election, but her[his] name will appear on the ballot.”

In other words, if Rep. Ryan didn’t want this career backup, was certain he didn’t need it, he would so inform his district’s voters of that fact. He hasn’t. The obvious conclusion can thus be drawn.

Rcoutme

@Michael: I realize that he could let the voters know that he does not expect to fill the position, however, that would greatly increase the chances that his Democratic rival (assuming there even is one) would get the seat. Ryan will not want that to happen! Thus, it would be in his and his party’s interests to have him win his seat, vacate it and have whatever system Wisconsin uses to replace him fill the seat.

If it means the governor appoints someone, Ryan wins (Republican Governor). If it means that a new election gets held, Ryan likely wins (he is, from what I understand, from a very Republican-held district). If, and only if, his seat would not get filled would Ryan likely be doing a disservice to his own goals (presuming that he will still want his district represented regardless of who is doing the representing).